With two key guards out, the Lakers are turning to 21‑year‑old rookie Cameron Carr for his first real stretch of playing time.
Key points
- Cameron Carr will see his first extended NBA minutes against Atlanta due to injuries to Grimes and Reaves.
- Quentin Grimes suffered a right‑finger sprain; coach expects a short absence.
- Austin Reaves missed the game because of illness, further stretching the Lakers’ guard rotation.
- Coach JJ Redick emphasized defensive development and the value of game reps for Carr’s growth.
Lakers rookie Cameron Carr is slated to receive his first rotational minutes in the Monday night matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, marking his first extended stint beyond the final minutes of games he has logged so far this season.
The opportunity comes as guard Quentin Grimes sits out with a right‑finger sprain and forward Austin Reaves is unavailable due to illness, leaving the team short on ball‑handling depth.
Carr’s first regular‑minute opportunity
Coach JJ Redick said Carr’s growth will be tested on the defensive end and that the extra reps should help him settle into the offense, noting the rookie’s skill set and the importance of rhythm for a young player.
Carr, the No. 24 overall pick in the 2026 draft, averaged 18.9 points per game at Baylor and posted 13 points in 20 minutes during a recent G League win for the Coachella Valley Lakers, suggesting he is ready to contribute at the NBA level.
Injury updates on Grimes and Reaves
Redick added that the coaching staff will review Carr’s performance on film after the game and look to give him more repetitions if the showing is positive, while also monitoring Grimes’ finger, which X‑rays showed to be uninjured but swollen.
Reader questions
When is Cameron Carr expected to play his first regular minutes?
He is scheduled to start receiving rotational minutes in the Lakers’ Monday night game versus the Atlanta Hawks.
What injuries are affecting the Lakers’ backcourt?
Quentin Grimes is out with a right‑finger sprain, and Austin Reaves is sidelined due to illness.
How did Carr perform in the G League before this call‑up?
He scored 13 points in 20 minutes during a 104‑98 win over the Salt Lake City Stars for the Coachella Valley Lakers.
Source: ocregister.com
